Blueberry plant variety named &#39;bluecsol 12&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct evergreen blueberry variety with zero chill requirement named BLUECSOL12, characterized by the following combination of traits: medium plant vigor, upright growth habit, ovate leaf shape, urceolate corolla shape and moderate conspicuousness of ridges on corolla tube, oblata fruit shaped, extra-large fruit-size, moderate bloom intensity, high sweetness and acidity, and firm fruit. Latin name of the genus and species: Vaccinium corymbosum L.

Latin name: Vaccinium corymbosum L.

Variety denomination: Blueberry plant named BLUECSOL12.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to a Peruvian Breeder's Rights Application No. 94-2022 filed on Jan. 19, 2022, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new Vaccinium corymbosum L. plant, which was selected from open pollination between Biloxi (Vaccinium corymbosum L., public plant) as the female (seed) parent and pollen from an unidentified variety (Vaccinium corymbosum L.). Berry seeds of plants of the Biloxi variety were collected from different fields of the CAMPOSOL S. A company, located in Viru, La Libertad, Peru at the beginnings of 2016. 11805 seedlings at high density were planted under field conditions in December of the same year.

The seedlings were evaluated during 3 growing season (2017, 2018 and 2019) and the breeding method used was phenotypic recurrent selection. In December 2019 one of the seedlings, BLUECSOL12, was isolated due to its excellent quality fruit, long postharvest life, and high yield potential. BLUECSOL12 was asexually propagated by softwood cuttings to confirm the distinctness, and stability of the characteristics observed in another growing season. 5 rooted cuttings were planted in an experimental test plot of the Blueberry Breeding Program of the CAMPOSOL S. A company, located in Viru, La Libertad, Peru. From December 2020 until the present, said test plot has shown that the unique features of this new Vaccinium variety are stable and reproduce true to type in successive generations of asexual propagation. In addition, BLUECSOL12 was subsequently propagated by softwood cutting and tissue culture and an additional plot, with 430 plants were planted in December 2021 in the same location. This new plot has maintained up to the present the distinctness, and stability characteristics of the new variety of Vaccinium corymbosum L.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The following is summary of the description of the new and distinct variety of blueberry “BLUECSOL12” was selected in Viru, La Libertad, Peru in December 2019. BLUECSOL12 has not been observed under all environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat with variations in the environmental conditions such as temperature and light intensity, without, however, any variance in genotype. BLUECSOL12 is an evergreen blueberry variety with zero chill requirement. The following are the most distinguishing traits of this new variety: medium plant vigor, upright growth habit, ovate leaf shape, urceolate corolla shape and moderate conspicuousness of ridges on corolla tube, oblata fruit shaped, extra-large fruit-size, moderate bloom intensity, high sweetness and acidity, and firm fruit.

BLUECSOL12 was selected as a mid-late variety, with solid yield potential, excellent fruit quality, flavor, and post-harvest life.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying color photographs show typical bush, leaves, flower, and fruit characteristics of the new Vaccinium corymbosum L. BLUECSOL12. Colors shown are as accurate as can be reasonably reproduced by the photographic means. Photographs were taken of 2 and 5-year-old plants grown in fields of the CAMPOSOL S. A. located in Viru, La Libertad, Peru.

FIG. 1 .—Shows typical bush with upright growth habit on 5-year-old plant of the new variety BLUECSOL12.

FIG. 2 .—Shows the inflorescence length on 2-year-old plant of the new variety BLUECSOL12.

FIG. 3 .—Shows the size and shape of the flower corolla on 2-year-old plant of the new variety BLUECSOL12.

FIG. 4 .—Shows the upper sides and shape of complete leaves on 2-year-old plant of the new variety BLUECSOL12.

FIG. 5 .—Shows the underside of a complete leave on 2-year-old plant of the new variety BLUECSOL12.

FIG. 6 .—Shows the size and shape of the fruits on 2-year-old plant of the new variety BLUECSOL12.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The following botanical description detailed forth distinctive traits of BLUECSOL12. The data were collected from clones stablished in an experimental test plot in Peru on 2-year-old plants. Color descriptions are based on the Pantone® Munsell Plant Tissue Color Book scale.

-   Classification:     -   -   Family.—Ericaceae.         -   Species.—Vaccinium corymbosum L.         -   Common name.—Southern Highbush Blueberry.         -   Variety name.—BLUECSOL12. -   Parentage:     -   -   Female parent.—Biloxi (Unpatented).         -   Male parent.—Unidentified variety. -   Plant:     -   -   Vigor.—Medium.         -   Growth habit.—Upright.         -   Height.—Mean of 104 cm.         -   Width.—Mean of 82 cm.         -   Internode length.—Mean of 35.9 mm.         -   Color of 1-year-old rough bark observed December 22.—Green             Pantone® 5GY 6/6.         -   Chilling requirements.—0 hours below 7° C.         -   Evergreenness.—Evergreen. -   Propagation:     -   -   Ease of propagation.—Propagates readily from softwood             cuttings and tissue culture.         -   Type.—By In vitro culture.         -   Root description.—BLUECSOL12 develops deep root systems and             medium volume of roots in the topsoil layer.         -   Rooting habit.—Moderate density and branching. -   Leaves:     -   -   Length.—Mean of 74 mm.         -   Width.—Mean of 53 mm.         -   Length/width ratio.—1.41.         -   Shape.—Ovate.         -   Margin.—Serrate.         -   Color on upper side of old leaves.—Green Pantone® 5GY 3/4.         -   Color on upper side of young leaves.—Green Pantone® 5GY 4/6. -   Flowers:     -   -   Flower cluster.—Medium.         -   Flower fragrance.—Faint smell of roses flower.         -   Inflorescence length.—Mean of 5.5 cm.         -   Size of corolla tube.—Mean of 21.7 mm (from pedicel             attachment point to corolla tip excluding the pedicel).         -   Corolla shape.—Urceolate.         -   Style length.—Top of ovary to stigma tip. 9 mm. -   Fruits:     -   -   Diameter of calyx aperture on mature berry.—Mean of 5.6 mm.         -   Diameter o depth of calyx on mature berry.—Mean of 2.5 mm.         -   Detachment force for ripe berries (easy, medium,             hard).—Easy.         -   Berries per cluster.—About 8 to 14.         -   Width.—About 18 to 26 mm.         -   Weight.—Mean of 4.6 g per berry.         -   Shape.—Oblate.         -   Intensity of fruit bloom.—Medium.         -   Pedicel scar.—Mean of 2.5 mm.         -   Color of unripe fruit.—Light green Pantone® 5GY 5/6.         -   Fruit firmness.—Firm.         -   Fruit acidity.—High.         -   Fruit sweetness.—High.         -   Market use of fruit.—Fresh market. -   Seeds:     -   -   Color.—Brown Pantone® 5YR 4/6.         -   Seeds per berry.—Mean of 11 seeds. -   Reproductive organs:     -   -   Pollen abundance.—High.         -   Disease, insects, and mites.—No sensitivity to any disease             and pest has been observed for BLUECSOL12.

COMPARISON TO CLOSEST VARIETY

BLUECSOL12 is distinguished of Biloxi variety in the following characteristics:

Growth habit in Biloxi (Public patent) is semi-upright and in BLUECSOL12 is upright.

Ratio length/width of the leaf in BLUECSOL12 is higher than Biloxi (Public patent).

Length of the leaf in Biloxi (Public patent) is less than BLUECSOL12.

Shape of the corolla in Biloxi (Public patent) is globose, whereas in BLUECSOL12 is urceolate.

Length of the corolla in Biloxi (Public patent) is less than BLUECSOL12.

Fruit size of Biloxi (Public patent) is medium, whereas in BLUECSOL12 fruit size extra-large fruits.

Diameter of calyx basin in berries of Biloxi (Public patent) is smaller than BLUECSOL12. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct blueberry plant named BLUECSOL12 substantially as illustrated and described. 